Saratoga News SUSD selects Stan Perry to replace member Jill Hunter Perry lost board election in November by slim margin Hunter resigned last month By Michelle Alaimo Stan Perry is finally going to get the chance to do something he's been longing for--serving on the Saratoga Union School District Board. Perry, who lost in the Nov. 3 election by a mere 62 votes, was selected Nov. 24 by the SUSD board. He replaces Jill Hunter, who resigned last month in protest of the board's decision to cut down several eucalyptus trees on the Saratoga School campus. Perry was one of two candidates to apply for Hunter's two-year term. The board approved him by a 3-to-0 vote, citing his strong involvement in the schools and the recent election. Interviews for the position had been held earlier in that evening. Board member Stephanie Petrossi was not present for the vote because she was out of town at her daughter's wedding. Richard Tallman also applied for the position, but board members decided against him, saying he needs to have more school involvement before coming onto the board. SUSD president Peggy Koen said Perry has been involved in the school district at many different levels and would be a great asset to the district. The former high-school teacher has served as a member of the district's bond finance committee and helped raise funds to underwrite the Measure D campaign. Perry, who will be the first male on the board since Ron Adolphson ended his term in 1994, said he is looking forward to the challenge of being a board member. He added that part of the board's past success is due to the good chemistry between it and district superintendent Mary Gardner. The father of two said he sees several issues facing the district, including keeping up with the rapid growth of the student population while maintaining the district's quality of education. Perry said he would like to keep the community involved as much as possible on any issues facing the board. Perry, along with newly elected board members Aileen Kao, Bonnie Yamaoka and incumbent Petrossi, will be sworn in Dec. 8. [ Back to Contents Page | Saratoga News Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Saratoga News, December 2, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.